New Veiled Chameleon Owner

[Hpyrok]

Hi there! We have added a little veiled chameleon to our family. His (I assume) name is Diesel. I read as much as I could in the days before Diesel came home. I love having this Forum to find answers about all things Chameleon! I just wanted to introduce myself (and Diesel!)
Thanks!
Lucy

 

[Wowbango]

Hi there! We have added a little veiled chameleon to our family. His (I assume) name is Diesel. I read as much as I could in the days before Diesel came home. I love having this Forum to find answers about all things Chameleon! I just wanted to introduce myself (and Diesel!)
Thanks!
Lucy

Congratulations on the new baby and welcome to the forums! This place is awesome for lots of information and asking questions. I see spurs at the back of his hind legs, so it does appear it is a male

 

[JoCarp]

Congratulations on the new baby and welcome to the forums! This place is awesome for lots of information and asking questions. I see spurs at the back of his hind legs, so it does appear it is a male

Wowbango is right, this is a great place for information and everyone on here loves their chameleons and is more than willing to help!

Welcome to you and your new little friend Diesel!!!

Make it a great day,

 

[carbyville]

Congrats on your new baby and welcome to the forums! He's adorable

 

[Hpyrok]

Thank you!

Thank you for the welcome and spur confirmation! I really appreciate the support and info!

Since he is so little and I am a newbie, I am nervous that he will not survive. Diesel is green most of the time, got a little dark on my blue shirt when I took him outside for the photo, but returned to green right away.

He seems to be eating well and shed a week after he came home. I mist his terrarium enclosure 2-3 times per day. Took him to the vet 10 days after he arrived because his eye worried me. Turned out to be the beginning of that shed.

I look forward to learning so much more about these fascinating creatures! I personally have learned from Diesel to slow down and enjoy the moment.
Lucy

 

[Wowbango]

You have new keeper syndrome EVERYONE goes through it! Worried about every little thing, think everything is a death sentence... The one thing about chameleons is, they can visually express their mood/health. You'll learn to recognize the good from bad signs. Be sure to post update pictures from time to time. WE LOVE PICTURES!

 

[Hpyrok]

Thank you for the reassurance! I needed that!

 

[herriotfan]

Hi and welcome.
I've got a veiled chameleon and I hope you will enjoy yours as much as I do mine. They're awesome characters.
This forum is superb for help and advice.
Have fun with Diesel!!

 

[ncf]

When I first got Apollo I tried searching everywhere for what his coloration means in order to better understand what he wanted to tell me. Turns out every chameleon is slightly different, albeit having some common characteristics. In a couple weeks/months you will know what he needs by looking at them, just because you're used to it

Until then, don't stress too much and enjoy the wonderful bugger

 

[Hpyrok]

Thank you! I LOVE watching Diesel eat (when he lets me!) I have only held him a couple of times since I brought him home 8/31. How often should I try to take him out so it isn't as scary for him if we NEED to take him out like to go to the vet ? He "runs" when he sees my hand trying to navigate the branches and plants. Thanks in advance!

 

[AESara]

Congrats!

How much you can handle your chameleon varies from one individual to the next. You'll have to get familiar with your chameleon's behavior (stress coloration etc) so you know when to give them some space.

One thing that worked wonders with my first male veiled was to set up a free range tree with a vine leading into the cage. I'd let him hang out on it whenever I was home. They enjoy the freedom and I always found him more approachable than when he was in his cage. He eventually loved to climb all over me, go with me on errands, etc, and the vet commented on his sociability.

Again they are all individuals, so I can't promise you would have the same results. I have heard a lot of very similar stories from keepers who let their chams free range at least some of the time. Of course, be extra cautious if you have any other pets or small children.

Enjoy!

 

[Hpyrok]

Thank you! Great advice! I will give that a try. He is safely housed away from my dogs and the kids, so I will try to construct a happy place not surrounded by mesh for his exploration fun!